jordan, palau, palau again. >> reporter: trafficking is a not bail-able offense that carries a life sentence. whether it is a deterrent, though is an open question, in a justice system experts say is plagued by corruption. jeronimo is a prosecutors. he prosecutes the prosecutor, who judges the judge. who polices the corrupt media when everybody is in kahoots. it is a major challenge. >> reporter: president acquino has arrested some high-level officials, and he has instructed some officials like see to upgrade the laws to be more effective against organized crime. >> since we returned from the philippines, they, themselves have come under suspension. a major donor filed a complaint, alleging i improprieties. as the case proceeds to court, she has vowed to continue the work of her agency, which serves thousands of trafficking victims. >> reporter: ironically, some of them, like jenny, just back from syria, see no other option than to take their chances. >> i just want to start a new life. i will not give up. i still want to go abroad because i really want to help my mother and help my siblings